This is the side of a Bergamasco at 14 months.  It can really fool you because to most it just looks like hair.  If you were to put your hands on this coat and look down in, you would find many of mats.  The coat can look this way for quite some time until the mats get longer.  The puppy hair will be "tufted" at the tips of the mats giving the outside coat an appearance of individual hairs.  

This second group of photos focuses on the head region.  This is one of the first areas to mat and requires special attention.  The ears have an area of very thin skin and the beard should be kept groomed so it doesn't trap food and has a chance to dry.  Click on this link to see a larger set of these pictures with more explanation.

This group of photos shows some size comparisons and mats that have grown back together.  All of these mats/flocks are longer and more mature than what we have previously seen but you can tell that many have been trimmed by looking at the ends.   Once you are at this stage, the coat will need some occasional "touch up" maintenance.  By now you will have a good feel for things...  Click on this link to see a larger set of these pictures with more explanation.

This is a group of adult mats/flocks.  Most have been trimmed on the ends.   Click on this link to see a larger set of these pictures with more explanation.

These photos show our bathing tub and a "non technical" drying system we use on occasion.   Click on this link to see a larger set of these pictures with more explanation.

These are photos of us cleaning the paws and lower legs.   Click on this link to see a larger set of these pictures with more explanation.